He was rushed to a south London hospital

A suspected “acid attack” in Penge put a teenage boy in hospital at the weeekend.

Met Police officers were called to Penge Lane at 1.30pm, after they were called to reports of “a substance being thrown into the eyes of a 17-year-old male.”

It is reported the boy ran into a nearby restaurant, where he told staff “my life is gone, call mum”.

According to the Evening Standard, quick-thinking customers at the Himalayan Kitchen doused the victim in water, before he was rushed to an upstairs flat to wash off the remainder of the substance.

London Ambulance Service crews arrived at the scene within five minutes of being called, rushing the teenager to a south London hospital “as a priority”.

Staff at the Himalayan Kitchen have since been praised, after the town’s MP raised the issue in Parliament.

Ellie Reeves, Labour MP for Lewisham West and Penge said: “It was reported that an acid attack occured in broad daylight, my thoughts are with the victim of the attack on Penge Lane on Sunday and I want to pay tribute to the staff at the Himalayan Kitchen who came to his aid.

“I am worried that serious crimes such as these are rising in part due to the impact of government policies, particularly stretched police resources and significant reductions in neighbourhood policing.

“Tougher sentences also need to be imposed. I hope the government will listen carefully to the concerns that have been raised on this issue and consider how best to move forward in tackling these reckless and dangerous crimes.”

Home secretary Amber Rudd responded by pointing out the government is currently undertaking a review into the crime, saying: “We take this matter seriously and we must address it, particularly because such crimes tend to evolve and can hold a fashionable attraction for different communities. That is why we are bringing together the different parties, and I urge her to engage with the process.

Officers from Bromley police are investigating the incident, but there have been no arrests so far.

Enquiries continue and any witnesses are asked to call 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.